Course overview
Prepare for the demands of postgraduate study at Oxford Brookes.
Strengthen academic English, research, writing and seminar skills while developing subject knowledge before a Master's degree.
Course overview
This short pre-Master's course is intended mainly for non-native English speakers who want to understand the demands of UK postgraduate study. Students develop academic language and study skills alongside a subject specialism, with an independent-study option for the summer intake.
Course structure
Published duration: 12 weeks (1 semester). Modules are organised below by semester, status or pathway choice.
Location and delivery
Teaching is full-time and based at Headington Campus in Oxford.
Curriculum
Explore the published modules in a clear course structure.
01Compulsory modules
Pre-Master's
Compulsory modules
Pre-Master's
- Advanced Reading and Research Skills
- Extended Writing Project
- Advanced Seminar Skills
02Subject specialism options
Pre-Master's
Subject specialism options
Pre-Master's
- Independent Study Module (students starting in June)
- Built Environment Subject Specialism Module
- Business, Marketing, Accounting and Hospitality Management
- Computing Specialism Module
- Humanities, Education and Publishing
- Science, Nutrition and Public Health
- Social Sciences, International Relations and Law Specialism Module
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
Assessment focuses on advanced academic reading, research, extended writing and seminar communication.
A subject-specialism module connects academic skills with the discipline intended for Master's study.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Academic entry
- A UK third-class honours degree, ordinary degree pass, or an accepted equivalent qualification.
- The normal minimum age is 21; younger applicants may be considered case by case.
English language
- IELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in the other skills, or an accepted equivalent.
International and non-standard entry
Equivalent international qualifications and non-standard applications are considered against the current published requirements for the route.
Application documents
- Completed application form.
- Qualification certificates and transcripts, with certified translations where required.
- Evidence of English-language ability where applicable.
- Passport and immigration documents where required for international applicants.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
Fees should be reconfirmed for the selected intake before enrolment.
Tuition does not normally include accommodation, living costs, travel, optional equipment, books or other personal study costs.
Funding your study
Funding for pathway programmes can differ from funding for a standard Master's degree and should be confirmed before application.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Use academic English confidently in postgraduate reading, writing and seminars.
Build subject-specific preparation and confidence for Master's-level study.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Progression routes
- Master's degree progression
- Academic English development
- Research skills development
- Postgraduate study preparation
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
Where is this course taught?
The course is taught at Oxford Brookes University's Headington Campus in Oxford.
When can I start?
Published start months are January, May, September.
Who awards the qualification?
The awarding university is Oxford Brookes University.